Viviane Sassen: Contemporary Photography Arrives in Madrid with 'Lux & Umbra'

A unique retrospective at the Fernán Gómez - Centro Cultural de la Villa explores over three decades of the singular Dutch artist's work.

Generic image of abstract art with geometric shapes and contrasts of light and shadow.
IA

Generic image of abstract art with geometric shapes and contrasts of light and shadow.

Dutch photographer Viviane Sassen lands in Madrid with 'Lux & Umbra', a retrospective celebrating her 30-year career and solidifying her as an innovative voice in contemporary photography.

The Fernán Gómez - Centro Cultural de la Villa hosts 'Lux & Umbra' starting today, June 3, an exhibition organized for PHotoESPAÑA 2026. The show eschews a traditional chronological order, offering an immersive journey through Sassen's visual universe where reality and imagination intertwine.
The exhibition features iconic series such as 'Flamboya' and 'Parasomnia', alongside early works and recent creations, highlighting the constant evolution of her artistic language. A notable aspect is the influence of Africa, shaped by her childhood in Kenya, reflected in landscapes, intense light, and African communities, challenging visual stereotypes.
Sassen masterfully plays with light and shadow, crafting symbolic scenes with dark silhouettes, vibrant colors, and geometric compositions that invite deep contemplation. The representation of women is another central theme, exploring identity, the body, and personal transformation from complex perspectives.
The exhibition is enriched by audiovisual pieces, collages, and photo-sculptures, including the series 'Cadavre Exquis', showcasing Sassen's versatility between contemporary art and fashion photography. The exhibition encourages viewers to reflect on their own perception of images.
'Lux & Umbra' will be open to the public until July 26 at the Fernán Gómez - Centro Cultural de la Villa (Plaza de Colón, 4), with hours from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The center will be closed on June 6 and 7.